Advanced solar tracking function block

Wago Corporation’s free Solar Positioning Function Block (SPFB) increases concentrated solar arrangement effectiveness. SPFB achieves this by enabling dynamic solar mirrors to track the sun’s arc within +0.02o via Wago-I/O-System.

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Wago Corp.’s free Solar Positioning Function Block (SPFB) increases concentrated solar arrangement effectiveness. SPFB achieves this by enabling dynamic solar mirrors to track the sun’s arc within +0.02^o via Wago-I/O-System.

Sunnyside up: For precise east-to-west tracking, SPFB relies on multiple variables and inputs. These include atmospheric pressure, site elevation, azimuth, latitude, longitude, date and local time. Calculations are then paired with the internal clock of a Wago Programmable Fieldbus Controller, optimizing mirror position. Data is then communicated to a connected WAGO DC Motor Control Module and encoder, or other component (e.g., variable frequency drive) for alignment.

Unlike many traditional sensor-driven systems, SPFB provides remote access and manual panel control by linking to a central PC via Ethernet or Internet. Additionally, an integrated Web server (select Wago PFCs) e-mails PV status/alarms. SPFB also features an inclement weather “stow” feature, positioning panels horizontally (wind) or vertically (snow) to reduce stress.

SPFB was developed in-house utilizing data from the U.S. National Resource Energy Laboratory and U.S. Naval Observatory’s 2011 Astronomical Almanac.

PV Panel Positioning: A free Solar Tracking Function Block is also available. It allows the Wago-I/O-System to align PV panels with the sun, for 30% more energy production that fixed panels.

Obtain a free copy of either Solar Function Block from Wago-I/O-System product manager, Charlie Norz, info.us(at)wago.com.

Wago provides spring pressure connection technology that eliminates loose wires resulting from vibration and temperature cycling, while providing highly reliable, corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free connections. Other products include DIN-rail, PCB and chassis mount terminal blocks; signal conditioners; the Wago-I/O-System; among others.

www.wago.us/products/337.htm

- Edited by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com